He has to take it back and not be allowed to play with it. He’ll learn.

If you catch the child in the store you could telling them that stealing is bad and make them return it to the shelf. Then leave straight away and enforce a time out to think about what they have done.
If you had left the shops, return to the shops and make your child apologise and hand the item back. If its been opened or they want you to pay for the item, maybe just ask if they can hold it for you and make the payment, but pick it up when he isn’t around as you don’t want him to think its ok because he can steal it, apologise and then get it anyway. Keep it stored at home until good behaviour or a birthday. Good luck.

yes my boy did it three times when he was 6.
First time was pocket knife from an antique store in a hotel!!!
he had to write an apology letter and send back the knife and pay for the postage. A year later we went back to the hotel and he spoke to the owner and explained who he was and that he wouldn’t steal again!
Second time was an Easter egg (intolerant to chocolate) so we went back to the store, he paid for it and we then gave it to someone.
Third time was stealing chips from another kids lunch box but I didn’t find out about it till months later!

I would make him put it back and explain that toys need to be earnt and not stolen. It’s so much easier to say than it is to do it though

I would take him back to the store and tell him to return it

How is your son now? Was this a one off?

there are some good comments here

I would actually go back to the store and be take the child with you and tell the store owner and make your child express an apology of some sort. They will never do it again I can guarantee you!!.

Hope you found a way to explain to him what he had done wrong

Take it back, and make him apologise.

how did you go with this?

My brother actually got caught and that bought a swift end to it!

What did you end up saying to him?

What did you end up doing?

I agree with others, take it back and make him apologise to them for taking it

Most definatly, make him return it

I would take him back and return it as well.

Explain it’s wrong but don’t be too harsh. Kids do these things

Take him back to the store . and return it at the counter

Poor little love he obviously really wanted it. Jus return it to prove ur point.